How to Perform an Aircraft Preflight Inspection

Step by step

1. Check documents and maintenance status.

2. Inspect the exterior: control surfaces, tires, lights and fuel caps.

3. Check fuel quantity and sample for contamination.

4. Check oil level.

5. Inspect the cockpit and controls.

6. Remove covers, chocks and tie-downs.

Safety reminders for commercial pilots

• Use checklists for every phase of flight
• Follow personal and legal weather minimums
• Manage fatigue and duty limits
• Keep medical certification current

Key terms

Part 61 · Part 141 · Part 135 · IFR · VFR · NOTAM: see the full commercial pilot glossary.

More commercial pilot how-to guides

• How to plan a charter flight
• How to make a go/no-go weather decision